12 best model helicopters

Model helicopters are miniature replicas of real helicopters, and they are a popular hobby in the world of modeling and remote-controlled (RC) aircraft enthusiasts. Here is some information about model helicopters:

  1. Types of Model Helicopters: Model helicopters come in various types, including scale models, sport helicopters, and 3D aerobatic helicopters. Scale models replicate real-life helicopters in detail, while sport and 3D helicopters are designed for different types of flying maneuvers.

  2. Kit Assembly: Model helicopters are typically sold as kits that require assembly. These kits include various components, such as the frame, rotor blades, engine or motor, and electronic components. Assembling the kit can be a challenging and rewarding part of the hobby.

  3. Remote Control: Most model helicopters are equipped with remote control systems that allow enthusiasts to pilot them. These controllers often have multiple channels to control various aspects of the helicopter's movement, such as throttle, pitch, yaw, and roll.

  4. Power Sources: Model helicopters can be powered by various sources, including internal combustion engines, electric motors, or even gas turbines in the case of high-end models. The choice of power source affects the flight characteristics and maintenance requirements of the model.

  5. Flight Characteristics: Flying a model helicopter can be challenging due to their complex aerodynamics. These models can hover, fly backward, and perform aerobatic maneuvers, making them a unique and exciting challenge for hobbyists.

  6. Safety Precautions: Operating model helicopters safely is crucial. Enthusiasts should adhere to safety guidelines and local regulations, including flying in designated areas and respecting altitude limits.

  7. Community and Clubs: Many model helicopter enthusiasts join local or online communities and clubs to share knowledge, experiences, and tips with like-minded individuals. These communities can be valuable resources for newcomers to the hobby.

  8. Upgrades and Customization: Hobbyists often enjoy customizing and upgrading their model helicopters with various components and accessories, such as better rotor blades, more powerful engines, or advanced flight control systems.

  9. Availability: Model helicopter kits, parts, and accessories can be found in hobby shops, online retailers, and specialized stores catering to model aircraft enthusiasts.

Model helicopters offer a fulfilling and engaging hobby for those interested in aviation and remote-controlled vehicles. They provide a hands-on experience in both building and flying miniature aircraft, allowing enthusiasts to learn about aerodynamics and aviation technology while having fun.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best model helicopters on the market
  

New-Ray Sky Pilot UH-60 Black Hawk Diecast Helicopter Replica 1:60 Scale

New-Ray

Based on 334 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The model from UH-60 Black Hawk measures abut 9.5 inches in length. It is mostly made of metal. The plastic parts would be the wings, weapons and rotor blades. Both rotors can spin freely. The details are nice; the panels along the fuselage are very well defined and accurate. The wheels on the main landing gear can spin freely (so don't let it roll off a table). Both side doors can slide open and close. If you look carefully through the door's window or open the doors, you will see that there are seats and stations inside where the troops/crew would seat. A display stand is included where the model can be mounted. Printed on the display's base is info about the model, such as scale and official name of the particular model. This model comes with plastic accessories which includes one plastic fighting vehicle and 4 soldier figures. The box measures 16 inches long by 5 inches high by 6 inches deep.

  • Highly detailed die-cast metal Construction
  • Accurate paint scheme and markings
  • No glue or paints required. Ready for display or play right out of the box
  • Approximately 9.5 inches in length.
  • Plastic stand included.

User questions & answers

Question: What are the dimensions of this helicopter
Answer: Yes, it is a soft mat. It easily rolls up and doesn't curl.
Question: does this come with little soldiers or not? I used to have one like this that did
Answer: Yes, with metallic sharpies.
Question: Do the rotors move
Answer: Yes
Question: How is it compared to inair uh
Answer: in the description of the product it's 13.5 inches. they forgot to add the period to seperate the .5 from the 13 hoever in the detailed description it states it's 13.5 inches.

Revell/Monogram MiL-24 Hind Helicopter Model Kit

Revell

Based on 180 reviews Check latest price

Product description

One of the deadliest weapons in the skies today is the attack helicopter, and one of the most formidable of these is the Mil-24D Hind. Kit features detailed interior and two crew figures, under wing rocket pods, anti-tank missiles and nose mounted rotary machine gun, detailed cockpit showing unique ejection pod, optional standard fuel/weapons pod or extra capacity fuel/weapons pod and four nuclear bombs. Decals and painting reference for 2 helicopters: Cottbus Air Base, East Germany 1985 and Polish Air Force.

From the Manufacturer

One of the deadliest weapons in the skies today is the attack helicopter, and one of the most formidable of these is the MIL-24D Hind. The MIL-24 is fast, having a top speed of nearly 200mph. This heavily armed helicopter can transport 8 fully equipped troops.

  • This kit is 1435 inches long
  • This kit has over 150 parts
  • 1/48 Scale Aircraft
  • Made in China

User questions & answers

Question: Does it includes glue and painting color with brush
Answer: Nose to tail about 22 centimetres.
Question: Can you briefly Give out dimensions of the Plane like Length and Wingspan? much appreciated. Thank you
Answer: No. It's just the helicopter.
Question: does it come 1 part or i have to assemble it
Answer: Yes
Question: Does the landing gear fold in
Answer: All InAir Brand Helicopters are manufactured by New Ray and are branded with InAir Brand Packaging

NewRay 26133 "Nh-500 Model Helicopter

New-Ray

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Die-cast scale models are one of the best highlights of our extensive product lines. With over 200 licenses, there are more to come. We are determined to increase licenses range and are fully committed to investing sumptuous amount on licensing. One of a successful marketing philosophy is “always giving choices to customers. We do not only aim at giving extensive choice of licenses, we also produce a wide range of die-cast models such as cars, motorbikes and trucks scaled down to various sizes to suit adults as a collector item, or children of all ages to play with. Scale models are also further extended to play sets.

  • Scale: 1: 32
  • Helicopter model: NH-500
  • Color: black with white inscription

User questions & answers

Question: How tall is it? How long is it? Is it plastic or metal
Answer: It is a plastic model kit that needs to be assembled and painted.
Question: does it come with a stand
Answer: No, the landing gear is stationary on this model.

Hobby Boss UH-1C Huey Helicopter Model Building Kit

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bell Iroquois multipurpose utility helicopter kit. Features engraved panel lines, detailed cockpit and cabin (with 3 configurations), optional position cabin doors, and extensive external stores (chin-mounted M-75 grenade launcher turret, M134 miniguns, M158 7-tube rocket launchers, M200 19-tube rocket pods, M3 24-tube rocket launchers).

  • Kit has five sprue with 75 parts.
  • Decals and color painting guide for 2 US Army aircraft: 'Easy Rider', 174th AHC gun platoon 'Sharks', 1970 and s/n 66-15186.
  • 1/72 Scale Aircraft

User questions & answers

Question: Does this kit include decals
Answer: It is approximately 20 cm long (25cm from rotor tip to rotor tip) 9 cm high (17cm if on pedestal). Main body (teardrop section) is metal the rest (including the entire tail section) and rotors is plastic. Rotor parts are attached to each other with metal pins.
Question: Where is it made
Answer: Yes. The stand is black plastic with the name of the helicopter on it in white letters.
Question: Is it made in USA
Answer: No you must buy plastic glue and disposable brushes.
Question: Does this require glue or paint
Answer: Bare with me, I'm kinda stupid when it comes to dimensions but when measured from tip of top rotor to the tail rotor it came up as 17in. And wingspan is 13.1in (from one end to the other of the top rotor)

New-Ray 1/55 D/C AH-64 Apache Helicopter

New-Ray

Based on 144 reviews Check latest price

Product description

New-Ray Toys, 25527, 1:55 scale diecast AH-64 Apache helicopter, 1 pc , army green

  • Highly detailed die-cast metal Construction
  • Accurate paint scheme and markings
  • No glue or paints required. Ready for display or play right out of the box
  • Approximately 9.5 inches in length.
  • Plastic stand included.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it need batteries
Answer: It includes two sets of decals.
Question: Is it dicast
Answer: Hobby boss is a Chinese company
Question: How many channels
Answer: NO
Question: is it rc helicopter
Answer: Yes, glue not included. It's your choice to paint or not. Decals come with it, but if you want authenticity you'll have to buy paint/brushes.

Graceduck Construction Building Toys for Kids - 25 in 1 Fire Truck Boat Helicopter Car Toy Building Blocks Model Kit Educational STEM activities Gifts for Boys Girls Teen age 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Year Old

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price
  • 🚒【557 PCS 25 IN ONE PACKAGE】Graceduck Construction Building Toys comes with 557 pieces of building blocks which can make up to 25 unique and beautiful models and also a bricks separator. We also included an easy to follow, step-by-step instructional guide showing how to build these models.
  • 🚒【BEST FIRE TRUCK FOR BOYS】Designed for boys in a very artistic and colorful package with all the things included inside one gorgeous box. Also can be moved and can be taken to places and take it with you. The best fire truck with 25 beautiful models. Perfect Gift for kids Boys Girls or Teens on Christmas or Birthday.
  • 🚒【FUN DURABLE AND STEM ACTIVITY】It is a very fun, creative and educational STEM activity. Comes with instruction in case you get stuck somewhere. This 25-in-1 kit comes along with 557 different pieces and stickers and a bricks separator, they will work great to make different designs and fun activities. Each model can tranformed into 2 forms, like boat, helicopter, car, water gun etc.
  • 🚒【 NON-TOXIC SAFE AND PERFECT SIZE】Our fun toy is made of non-toxic materials. A great educational gift for girls and boys from 6 and above years old. It keeps the kids happy with its comfortable approach and 25 designs.
  • 🚒【PERFECT GIFT WITH 30 DAYS GURANTEE】Buy with confidence with 30 days Money back guarantee. A perfect gift for any age. Avail of this offer today so that you can secure your kid's time and creativity so that your kid can have fun creating and building different designs and utilize time more productively.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the material of these construction toys BPA and toxic-free
Answer: Yes, this toy is made of eco-friendly material, BPA free safe, and non-toxic ABS plastic with high safety standards while manufactured.
Question: Does this toy come with instructions about how to play or assemble
Answer: Yes, it does come with the instruction book on how to assembling different parts together, it easy to play and perfect for kids to explore the fun and keep them busy for several hours
Question: Are the blocks compatible with other brand's blocks
Answer: Yes, these blocks from the toy can compatible with other brands such as Lego, Mage block, and other leading bricks brands. Thus, the kid can increase their imagination as well as creativity during playtime.

Product features

Fun DIY Activities for Kids

Unleash the creativity & endless imagination of your children by introducing them to the world of STEAM and by challenging them to build their own Fire Truck, Vehicles toys, or anything else they can imagine.Unleash the creativity & endless imagination of your children by introducing them to the world of STEAM and by challenging them to build their own Fire Truck, Vehicles toys, or anything else they can imagine.

Multipurpose Fire Truck

Kids can play out exciting adventures with City Fire Brigade as they help protect Toy City. Inspires active imagination, firefighting adventure with a spinning drone, off-road firefighting vehicle and fireboat.

Perfect Gift with Cool Packaging

Our exclusive building set for boys and girls features 557 parts, Brick Separator, sticker and a step-by-step instructional guide. A perfect gift with perfect cool packaging.

Product Content:

557pcs lego

instructions manual

Kitty Hawk KH80125 1:48 AH-1Z Viper Helicopter [MODEL BUILDING KIT]

Kitty Hawk

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

This is a plastic model kit (unbuilt / unpainted) - NOT A TOY ; ASSEMBLY AND PAINTING REQUIRED (glue and paint not included); Contains parts to build one model.

  • This is a plastic model kit (unbuilt / unpainted) - NOT A TOY
  • ASSEMBLY AND PAINTING REQUIRED (glue and paint not included)
  • Contains parts to build one model.

User questions & answers

Question: Hi could you tell me what colors are needed for this kit please
Answer: Hello;Thank you for your inquiry. No, this is a Plastic Model with no Motor. Thanks.JayHT
Question: Does anyone know the skill level, is it a 2 or 3 skill level
Answer: Hello;Mostly plastic with some diecast parts. Thanks.JayHT
Question: Does this kit come with PE detailing parts
Answer: Zero Channels. It is a Die Cast Helicopter model.
Question: Hello! Could you please tell me the length of the model? Thanks!Bill
Answer: No, Josh, it is not a RC helicopter. Hope this helps. Thanks.

Revell Germany UH-1D Huey Gunship Model Kit

Revell

Based on 75 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The UH-1 Iroquois entered service with the US military in 1952 and very quickly became the lynchpin of a whole new way of waging war. Hueys with different loads and configurations could transport in troops and supplies, pull out the wounded and dead and provide close air support. They enabled US forces to operate in hotspots across Vietnam. Kit features fine surface detail, detailed cockpit and cabin, two flight crew figures, positionable main cabin door, separate 2-piece tail and main rotors, choice of outboard mini guns with ammo or rockets, landing skid, exterior filigree parts and clear parts for windows. Decals and markings for helicopters: U.S. Army Maj. Crandall (Medal of Honor) Vietnam and Canadian Rescue.

  • 1:32 Scale kit, 139 parts, Skill Level 2, Decals, Paint or Tools or Glue are not included with kit
  • Paint suggested: Brown, Burnt Iron, Copper, Ft Black, Ft Dk Red, Flesh, Lt Gray, Olive Drab, Black, White, Yellow, Titanium and Transparent Red
  • Tools: sprue cutter, long nose pliers, small files, pin vise & scissors, Side cutters, Tweezers, Modeling knife, Glue, Super Glue

User questions & answers

Question: when you open the box is the huey green or gray
Answer: Med grey and dark sky grey.
Question: can i convert this heli to fly
Answer: There is no stated skill level, however this type of a kit will be for someone with at least moderate modelling skills at minimum. This is definitely not a kit for a beginner.
Question: Is this the old monogram tour of duty huey they had ? that large scale one i had and was great to build
Answer: Yes, it comes with a small fret for multiple grill screens
Question: what is the lenth of this heli by inches from tip of the nose to the tip tail
Answer: fuselage 11 1/2 " assembled with rotors 15 " Great kit well detailed . almost like the real deal

Trumpeter 1/72 CH47D Chinook Helicopter

Trumpeter

Based on 49 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The CH-47 Chinook, the workhorse of the US Army, is manufactured by the Boeing Vertol company. The Chinook has served as the prime mover for the US Army and other military forces for decades. Its principal missions include transport of troops, artillery, ammunitions, fuel, water, barrier materials, supplies and equipment on the battlefield. Other missions include medical evacuation, aircraft recovery, fire fighting, parachute drops, heavy construction, disaster relief, and search and rescue. This plastic model kit is an accurate representation of the military vehicle.

  • Photo-etched parts included
  • Ready to assemble plastic model kit
  • Includes hundreds of pieces
  • Glue and paint not included

User questions & answers

Question: How big is it when assembled
Answer: 15 3/4 inches not sure if this is rotor to rotor. Scale 1:32 Hope this helps

NewRay 26113 "Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey Model Military Helicopter

New-Ray

Based on 211 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Die-cast scale models are one of the best highlights of our extensive product lines. With over 200 licenses, there are more to come. We are determined to increase licenses range and are fully committed to investing sumptuous amount on licensing. One of a successful marketing philosophy is “always giving choices to customers. We do not only aim at giving extensive choice of licenses, we also produce a wide range of die-cast models such as cars, motorbikes and trucks scaled down to various sizes to suit adults as a collector item, or children of all ages to play with. Scale models are also further extended to play sets.

Set Contains:

Model military helicopter

  • Scale: 1: 72
  • Helicopter model: Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey
  • Color: grey

User questions & answers

Question: Do the rudders turn
Answer: From the nose to the rear about 8 inches long and each rotor blades each are 5 inches. Hope that helps
Question: Does it fly
Answer: Although I painted it olive drab, it was a different shade of green originally.
Question: does the back open
Answer: I am sure that it would not be possible. I have heard of putting a scale Huey fuse on I think it was a Rapter r/c helicopter!
Question: Does the landing gear retract or is it fixed
Answer: No idea sorry ...

Kids 3D Wooden Puzzles for Boys 8-12 Years Old, DIY Crafts Model Set, Helicopter 40Pcs + Off-Road Vehicle 44Pcs, New Year and Birthday Gifts for Son, Nephew, Grandson

Vileafy

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Surprise for Boys - 3D Puzzles Kit for kids 8+ years old, Pack of 2, Helicopter 40Pcs + Car 44Pcs, fun and not too difficult
  • Easy Self-Assembly - The assembly instruction picture corresponds to the puzzle one by one, and is marked with numbers so that assembly is as enjoyable as possible (Hint: Don’t remove all of the pieces at once, there is an order to it)
  • Fantastic DIY Gifts - Made of wood, No tools are needed. This kids 3D puzzle set will bring you endless surprises. It can not only greatly stimulate kids' spatial imagination, improve their graphic recognition ability but also give children a sense of accomplishment
  • Party Return Gifts - Cute and Cool mini model crafts with independent packing, a good choice as Christmas / New Years/ Holiday / Birthday party favors and return gifts for children
  • Great & Cool Decorations - Different from traditional wood color, color puzzles make the finished products more realistic and beautiful

Hasegawa HAPT01 1:48 Scale SH-3H Sea King Model Kit

Hasegawa

Based on 23 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Sikorsky sh-3 sea King (company designation s-61) is a twin-engine anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) helicopter. Introduced in 1961, it served with the United States Navy and other forces, and continues to serve in many countries around the world. The sea King has been built under license in Italy and Japan, and in the United kingdom as the Westland sea King. The major civil versions are the s-61l and s-61n. Hasegawas stunning range of 1:48 scale plastic HAPT01 kits set new standards for detailing. This plastic HAPT01 kit requires paints, glues and basic tools to complete. Decal options: "wyverns" hs-12 us Navy "black knights" hs-4 us Navy "eight ballers" hs-8 us Navy skill level 3 172 pieces length: 13.8 in (350 mm) width: 15.5 in (393 mm) age 14+

Set Contains:

1 x Model Kit

  • Accurate Scale Model
  • Highly Detailed Model Kit
  • Full Instructions Included

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